CLOSING a ~an of :}ietu /Jle Ann Dixon, director of the Brackett Library, retired in December after 20 years of work in the library. Dixon joined the library staff in 1993 and was promoted to director in 1998. As director, Dixon witnessed many changes, and her work was integral to the expansion and progress of the library. Jean Waldrop, public services librarian, worked with Dixon for seven years. Waldrop said they became great friends during that time, and she valued Dixon's leadership as director. "Ann was a dedicated, hard worker who loved Harding and what it stood for,'' Waldrop said. " She believed in the mission of Harding, so that showed in everything that she did." Brenda Breezeel, systems librarian, said that in her 20 years of working with Dixon, Dixon was always compassionate and easily approachable. Although Dixon was serious about her job, Breezeel said that she was enthusiastic and always encouraged the library staff to pursue new technologies within the library. In 2001, the Brackett Library became a part of the Information Systems and Technology Department. According to Keith Cronk, vice president of information systems and technology, many changes were made to the library during that time both physically and electronically, and Dixon was an invaluable member to the management team. "[Her] experience not only in the library, but also through a transitional period in library services will be missed," Cronk said. "She is fun, dedicated and hardworking ... and works for the best of the university." Changes included the digitization of many Harding archives such as Petit Jean yearbooks, social club scrapbooks and videos of former university presidents Dr. George Benson and Dr. Clifton Ganus II speaking in chapel and at various events. Cronk said that Dixon took special interest in that project and became an overseer of the digitization of the university's history. Dixon said that despite the many small changes in the library, the purpose of her job did not change. Her purpose was to help students take full advantage of library resources and succeed in their academics. "It is not about what we do, but how we do it," Dixon said. "I think it is important that we still serve students and help with research. Students need to make a librarian their best friend. So many go through their college career without realizing that our job is to help them. That is why we are here; that is why we are in the business." Though Dixon did not have particular plans for after her retirement, she intended to travel and to spend more time with her grandchildren who lived in Pennsylvania. She came to the end of her career at Harding with an appreciation for the university, the people with whom she interacted and the mission of the school. "This has just been a wonderful experience," Dixon said. "I am so blessed to have worked here and to be a part of this organization. Harding University is special." Bethany Nicholson 205
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